Norway Epstein Files: Diplomats Under Investigation for Corruption

Norwegian Diplomats Under Investigation in Expanding Epstein Corruption Probe

Norwegian authorities are investigating two high-profile diplomats – Mona Juul, former ambassador to Jordan and Iraq, and her husband, Terje Rød-Larsen, a former diplomat and ex-president of the International Peace Institute (IPI) – in connection with their relationships with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The investigation, announced on Monday by Norway’s financial crimes squad, Økokrim, is part of a widening scandal that has reached across Europe and implicated several prominent Norwegians. Juul resigned her ambassadorship on Sunday.

Økokrim is investigating Juul on suspicion of gross corruption while working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Rød-Larsen on suspicion of complicity in gross corruption. According to a statement from Økokrim head Pål Lønseth, the investigation aims to “clarify whether criminal acts have occurred,” and is expected to be “comprehensive and, by all accounts, long-term.” Lønseth added that investigators will examine whether Juul received any benefits related to her position.

Lawyers representing both Juul and Rød-Larsen have stated their clients are cooperating fully with the investigation and maintain their innocence. Thomas Skjelbred, Juul’s lawyer, said his client “views it positively that the allegations will now be subject to a thorough investigation, allowing the actual circumstances to be clarified.” John Christian Elden, representing Rød-Larsen, said his client is “confident that once all the factual circumstances have been thoroughly reviewed, the investigation will clarify that there is no basis for criminal liability.”

The couple played a key role in facilitating the 1993-1995 Oslo Accords. The investigation follows revelations stemming from the release of documents related to Epstein’s case by the U.S. Justice Department. These files reportedly show that Juul and Rød-Larsen’s two children were bequeathed $10 million by Epstein, and that Rød-Larsen was initially appointed executor of Epstein’s will in 2017, a role he later relinquished.

The documents also suggest a personal connection, indicating the couple and their children visited Epstein’s private island in 2011. Rød-Larsen reportedly thanked Epstein for the trip, describing the island as “totally unique” and stating, “We all loved it!” in an email, adding, “Mona sends a kiss.”

The unfolding situation has prompted a response from Norway’s Foreign Minister, Espen Barth Eide, who stated that Juul’s contact with Epstein “revealed a serious lapse in judgment” and made it “difficult to restore the trust that the role requires.”

This investigation is not the first to emerge from the Epstein files within Norway. Økokrim is already investigating Thorbjørn Jagland, a former Prime Minister of Norway, former chair of the Norwegian Nobel committee, and former Secretary General of the Council of Europe, over alleged corruption related to his contact with Epstein.

The revelations surrounding Epstein’s ties to prominent Norwegians, including Crown Princess Mette-Marit, have sent shockwaves through the country. Crown Princess Mette-Marit has expressed “deep regret” over her relationship with Epstein, acknowledging “poor judgment.”

Rød-Larsen previously apologized for his relationship with Epstein and stepped down as CEO of the International Peace Institute in 2020.